First Winner from First Runner for Cluster

Mark Smith - Sunday November 18

A ground-saving ride by Craig Newitt paved the way for Gee Gees Darl to make a winning career debut in a 1000 metre maiden at Hobart on Saturday to credit Laurnek Stud's first season sire Cluster (Fastnet Rock) with his first winner from his first runner.

Tracking the early speed after making a quick start, Gee Gees Darl defied a betting drift to defeat Fitzwilliam (Wordsmith) by half a length with a further length back to Gee Gees Punter (Wordsmith).

Advertisement


Gee Gees Darl (pictured as a yearling ) was a $45,000 purchase by Paul and Elizabeth Geard from the Alva Stud draft at the 2018 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale.

The striking black filly is the fourth foal and the third winner from as many to race out of the 6-time winning Tough Speed mare Speedy Sky who placed in the Listed Tasmanian oaks and Listed TRC Stutt Stakes.

A highly talented son of Fastnet Rock, Cluster won three races including the Group II ATC Theo Marks Stakes and placed in the Group II MVRC Stutt Stakes and Group III ATC San Domenico Stakes in a career restricted to 12 starts.

He covered 68 mares in his first season and stands this year at Laurnek Stud for an unchanged fee of $6,600 inc GST

Advertisment
More Reading...
Thoroughbred Breeders Australia announces 2026 Next Crop Committee
Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) is pleased to announce the appointment of the 2026 Next Crop Committee, a national group of passionate and forward-thinking industry participants committed to supporting the next generation of Australia’s thoroughbred industry.
Magic Millions 2026 Magazine Now Online
The Magic Millions magazine is now online featuring a terrific mix of stories for the racing fan and horse lover ahead of the racing canival and yearling sale next month in the Gold Coast.
West is Best - Outstanding Perth Magic Millions Yearling Catalogue Online
The cream of the Western Australian yearling crop has been assembled for the 2026 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale and the quality packed catalogue is now online. 
One to Watch – Newcastle
A debut winner for Farnan has an interesting background, bred in Queensland and sold as a weanling before becoming a pinhook winner at the Adelaide Magic Millions and now being trained at Newcastle where he won today.
Vote for Your Favourite Foal of 2025
We thank everyone for their participation in this year’s Foal Gallery with an amazing selection of babies from all over Australia and New Zealand making it a real showcase for breeders big and small and the task of selecting just six for our audience to vote for is not an easy one.
Racing Australia Issue a Statement on Black Type
Racing Australia Chairman Rob Rorrison has released the following statement. 
Cluster Proves Poplar at Tassie MM
The first Cluster to make her way through the sales ring looks set to race with a variation of "Gee Gee" in her name after being purchased by successful owners Paul and Elizabeth Geard at Thursday's Tasmanian Magic Millions.
Larneuk's Cluster is Ready to Rock
Broodmare owners employ various criteria when it comes to stallion selection.
Brilliant Start for Cluster
Two runners, two winners, the perfect start for Larneuk Stud's exciting young stallion Cluster.
Mick Dee Chasing More Kiwi Glory
Expat jockey Mick Dee is set to return to one of his happiest hunting grounds, Ellerslie, with a full book of rides on Boxing Day headed by El Vencedor in the Gr. 1 Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic (2000m).